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Antique collecting is one of the most popular leisure activities in the United States. Due to their intrinsic value, antiquated items are either collected for investment and profit-making purposes or as display pieces, prized as heirlooms.

Whether you are looking for a bargain or trying to redo your entire home, antique stores have what you are looking for. Learn how to identify and assess deals on vintage pieces to make antiques shopping easier.

Angie's Answers

Keep checking around at the auction houses and antique dealers. There are a few in your area that are highly rated. The bigger auction houses should have qualified appraisers. You might also check with your local art museum or fine art gallery. Just like we recommend for big home repair projects, shop around to get the best price.

I found out the hard way in the military that it depends on the product. Some silver polishes will turn brass and copper black with instant tarnish and etch them, so check the label. Some types can be used for any soft metal, some not. I suspect it depends on the pH of the product, or whether it has aommonia in it. And of course if you do decide to try it, do the center bottom (where it sits on the table) first so you can see if it is causing problems.

Brasso is probably the top name in the industry - they make both liquid and treated cloth polishing products both for specific metals, and general polishing ones.

I would ask local antique shops and art stores (ones selling art and frames, not galleries) if they repair antiques, AND for references, so the repair does not decrease its value unecessarily. In many cases the old frame is worth more than the painting !

You could also ask local art museums who they use to repair/rehab frames, if they do not do it themselves.

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